By now, you may feel you have a rich understanding of Thai massage. Yet, just as a single word like “wine” can describe a vast world of different methods, the term “Thai massage” holds a beautiful diversity within it. In fact, this is especially true when looking for Northern style Thai massage in Vancouver, which has a different feel from its Southern counterpart.
We often categorize these variations by their geographical origins: the Southern style, which people famously associate with Bangkok, and the Northern style, which flourished in the ancient Lanna Kingdom around Chiang Mai.
While they share the same fundamental goal of freeing the body’s energy, their approach and feel can be distinctly different. Therefore, understanding them can deepen your appreciation and help you find the experience that best suits you.
The Southern Style (Bangkok / Wat Pho Style): The Direct Path
People often consider the Southern style the more “official” one because people codified it at the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok. Consequently, the Southern school is typically more direct, energizing, and focused on anatomical precision.
- The Feel: Think invigorating and systematic. The pace can be faster, and the work is often deeper and more targeted. It’s a very “yang” experience.
- The Technique: The hallmark of the Southern style is its strong emphasis on acupressure. For example, practitioners use their thumbs, elbows, and even knees to apply firm, direct pressure to specific points along the Sen (energy) lines. While stretching is a key component, this powerful acupressure work, which breaks up blockages with authority, often drives the session.
- Choose this style if: You seek a stimulating experience, you want to address specific, deep-seated knots, and you appreciate a more intense, therapeutic approach.
The Northern Style (Chiang Mai / Lanna Style): The Rhythmic Dance
Practitioners developed this style in the mountainous, culturally rich region of Northern Thailand. As a result, people often describe this style—the Northern style Thai massage in Vancouver—as a more holistic and meditative practice.
- The Feel: Think rhythmic, graceful, and flowing. The pace is generally slower and more meditative, creating a deeply relaxing and trance-like state. It’s a very “yin” experience.
- The Technique: People know the Northern style for its extensive and creative use of stretching. Specifically, you will experience a greater variety of elaborate, yoga-like movements that open the joints and lengthen the muscles. While practitioners use acupressure, they often apply it more broadly with the palms, thumbs, and feet in a continuous “dance.” There is also a profound emphasis on Metta (loving-kindness), and both giver and receiver view the entire session as a form of moving meditation.
- Choose this style if: Your primary goal is deep relaxation, you want to improve overall flexibility, and you are drawn to a more gentle and spiritual experience.
The Modern Practitioner: A Fusion of Arts
Is one style better? Absolutely not. They are two equally valid dialects of the same beautiful language.
Today, however, many of the best practitioners at spas like Lanna Thai Spa do not adhere strictly to one lineage. Spas or schools often cross-train them, creating a blended style that draws upon the direct power of the South and the rhythmic grace of the North. Therefore, a truly skilled therapist will adapt their approach, pulling the right tool from their toolkit to meet your body’s specific needs on that particular day.
The next time you are on the mat, pay attention to the rhythm and focus of the session. You may just begin to recognize the ancient lineage flowing through the hands of your practitioner, deepening your connection to this incredible healing art. Book your session to feel the difference.